Horticulture Technician

Largo

7d•Onsite

About The Position

A highly technical position, performing all aspects of routine park maintenance. Implements work programs related to planting, removing, and caring for various flowers, shrubs, and trees in the City parks and athletic fields. Performs skilled and complex tasks regarding trimming, fertilizing, and disease control of all landscape plants and turf. Performs irrigation repair and monitors and controls the irrigation clock. Sets up and tears down equipment for special events. All employees share components of leadership, management, technical, and team skills to assist in making the City of Largo the community of choice in Tampa Bay.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
two (2) years directly related experience in landscape maintenance, nursery, or horticultural operation; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
Requires State of Florida Restricted Pesticide License issued for public use with Ornamental and Turf endorsement within six months of employment
Valid Driver's License
Working knowledge of modern practices and principles of horticulture, arboriculture, agronomy, and related fields
Knowledge of insects, parasites, diseases, and other infestations that affect trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, and grass and the composition and application of insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides for their control plant biology and the standard and botanical names of local trees, plants, and flowers
irrigation systems and turf management, and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards and guidelines for trimming, dead wooding, removal, planting, and staking
Skill in the proper use and safe operation of hand and power-operated tools utilized in all phases of horticulture work
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and communicate clearly and concisely
Ability to detect tree, plant, and turf diseases and determine corrective measures
Ability to read, interpret, and develop landscape plans
Ability to understand chemical and fertilizer labels and plan, assign, and supervise the work of a small group of staff
Ability to perform heavy, strenuous manual labor, sometimes under unfavorable weather conditions
The work requires frequent bending/stooping, climbing, crawling, fine manipulations, grasping, kneeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, lifting/carrying of objects weighing up to 15 pounds, frequent lifting/carrying of objects weighing 15 to 44 pounds, and frequent lifting/carrying of objects weighing 45 pounds and over.
Ability to perform tasks safely over the noise from heavy equipment such as tractors and tools.
Ability to communicate orally with others in person and on the telephone.
Ability to see and read computer monitor screens, operate a vehicle, and read fine print.
The work requires frequent driving and possessing a valid Florida Class "E" Driver's.
The work requires the ability to operate telephones, smartphones, tablets, photocopiers, printers, desktop and laptop computers, calculators, and all associated software.
The work requires the ability to operate the following machines: tractors and front-end loaders, spray rig, and GPS.

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree in Horticulture, Horticulture Science, or a closely related degree is preferred
Experience as a crew leader is preferred

Responsibilities

Plans, supervises, assigns, provides work direction, and participates in the work of crew members in the field
Includes all aspects of routine park maintenance, such as planting, removing, transplanting, cultivating, trimming, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, and irrigation necessary for the healthy growth of trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers in City facilities
Provides instruction in the proper horticultural maintenance of flowers, trees, and plants; assists in landscaping design and drawing of plans and blueprints
Operates and trains crew members in the safe operation of light and heavy equipment
Responds to citizen concerns/complaints, assists with shelter rentals, and works with community groups
Performs irrigation repair and construction
Installs and maintains landscaping
Makes inspections to detect evidence of diseases, insects, irrigation problems, or other conditions endangering or inhibiting the proper growth of trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers and takes corrective measures when such conditions exist by mixing and applying fertilizer, pesticides or herbicides; orders chemicals and fertilizer
Makes minor and major repairs to tools and irrigation equipment used on park premises
Purchases and ensures the quality of plant material
Performs tree and safety inspections
Supports honest and transparent decision-making
Collaborates with all team members in a way that builds upon ideas and takes personal accountability and ownership of projects, roles, and assignments
Openly exhibits a positive attitude, in words and action, and encourages others to do the same
Performs related work as required.
As a condition of employment, City of Largo employees will be required to work as directed during an undeclared and/or a declared emergency. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the official job description.